AL4ME is a coalition of southern activists and community-based organizations working to bring menstrual equity to the state of Alabama.

 

We champion the lived experiences of Alabamians at the policy level and provide a platform of support for community-based organizations working to address period poverty and stigma within their local communities. 

 

Menstrual Equity ensures that everyone with a uterus, whether experiencing menopause, menarche, postpartum bleeding, or their monthly cycle, has access to the tools and resources desired to maintain a dignifying state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the menstrual cycle and its functions and processes. Menstrual equity ensures that folks are free from stigma associated with menstrual cycles, that they have timely access to adequate, affordable, and up-to-date science-based medical care, that they can explore the use of any period product without economic barriers, and more! 

 

One way to achieve menstrual equity is to eradicate period poverty. Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, and/or waste management. Period poverty often intersects with economic insecurity, food insecurity, and housing instability, but not always. It can be experienced as a result of incarceration, gender-based violence in intimate relationships, homophobia, and other social and cultural factors. 

The experience of period poverty is at its core a result of sexism, transphobia, and others -isms that stigmatize the female form and function.